Study by confocal laser scanning microscopy of the influence of hydrogels on the wound healing rate after mechanical corneal injury

Laser assisted refractive surgery is a common procedure for the correction of visual defects. However, this technique is sometimes associated with complications such as recurrent erosion scars or late-onset corneal haze formation due to irregular wound healing. In order to improve the risk/benefit ratio of this surgery, a better understanding of the wound healing process is absolutely necessary. The aim of the present study was to investigate in an animal model the influence of biopolymeric hydrogels in the modulation of the wound healing. Mechanical wounds were generated in rabbit cornea with the aid of an Algerbrush burr. The closure of the wound was monitored after staining with fluorescein by means of a confocal microscope. A hydrogel based on 1 % xanthan gum stimulated significantly corneal wound healing whereas other viscosified solutions or hydrogels based on lower concentrations of xanthan gum or on hyaluronic acid did not promote wound healing.